Talk to the dummy

You can port (move) a number from one carrier to another in the U.S. You can't port a U.S. number to a carrier in Chile.

I don't know what people mean by an "international SIM". Perhaps they mean an international roaming plan. However, I would guess that your carrier's roaming rates would not be cost effective for a whole year. But, talk to them. You may also want to change your plan to the lowest possible plan to maintain your number for the year you're gone.

You can probably get a local plan in Chile. Fortuntely, theare are carriers in Chile that suppore eSIMs as your phone does not have the capability to use a physical SIM. I suggest that you check the Chilean carrier's websites for more information.

Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service - Apple Support

You can also keep in touch with people who have Apple products by using FaceTime. That only requires an internet connection, not a phone number.

For what it's worth, being a "baby boomer" does not, in and of itself, mean you are a "dummy" about technology. After all, it was people from the Lost Generation and Baby Boomers who invented the internet!

Have a great trip!

Stephen Hunt1 wrote:

Thanks! and thanks for your response to my inquiry. I have been reading that many people port their number to google voice. as I understand it you may receive calls and text messages from abroad and can contact people through this app. I am wondering if iMessage works the same way for texting. I do greatly appreciate your time in responding to basic questions I have.

Yes, that's an option. And, it might be a good one if you don't mind canceling service with your current carrier. I actually didn't think of it.

Keep in mind that you need to port the number BEFORE cancelling anything. If you cancel first, you no longer have a claim to the number.